Virtual Operation Unit Detection Using Preliminary Approach Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users may struggle to recognize the position of virtual images, leading to misalignment between intended and actual input, resulting in delayed reaction and poor operability in holographic human machine interfaces (HMIs).

Innovation Solution

An operation detection device and method that displays an operation unit as a virtual image, using a sensor to detect the object's position and determining a press before the object reaches the unit, enhancing visibility and reaction speed by allowing pressing determination before actual contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the operation unit is displayed as a holographic virtual image, then the visibility and floating appearance of the operation unit is improved, but the user may have difficulty recognizing the exact position of the virtual image, leading to misalignment between intended and actual input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of operation unitVSAvoidposition recognition accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A virtual guide line is introduced as an intermediary visual element between the user's finger and the holographic operation unit. The guide line extends from the operation unit toward the user, providing a visual reference that helps the user align their finger with the correct position, thereby resolving the position recognition ambiguity while maintaining the floating virtual image appearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the operation detection is triggered only when the object reaches the operation unit position, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the user perceives delayed reaction and poor operability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation detection accuracyVSAvoidreaction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection by monitoring the object's approach to the operation unit and triggering the operation detection before actual contact occurs. The determination unit predicts that the operation unit will be pressed when the object reaches a predetermined position, allowing the system to respond proactively rather than reactively, thereby reducing perceived reaction time while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time visual feedback through the virtual guide line that dynamically adjusts as the object approaches the operation unit. This feedback mechanism helps the user understand the system's detection state and builds anticipation, making the user perceive faster response even though the actual detection trigger point is optimized for accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11237673B2Operation detection device and operation detection method

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 MURAKAMI CORP

AI summary

An operation detection device according to an embodiment includes: a display unit that displays an operation unit as a virtual image; a sensor that detects a position of an object approaching the operation unit; and a determination unit that determines whether or not the operation unit has been pressed based on the position of the object detected by the sensor. The determination unit determines that the operation unit has been pressed before the object reaches the operation unit.